How Active Release Techniques (ART) Can Help You Move and Perform Pain-Free
At Ascend Sports Chiropractic, we are dedicated to offering cutting-edge therapies that not only alleviate pain but also enhance your movement, performance, and quality of life. One of the most powerful techniques we utilize to achieve these goals is Active Release Techniques® (ART).
What is Active Release Techniques (ART)?
Active Release Techniques (ART) is a patented, state-of-the-art soft tissue therapy that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves. It is commonly used to treat conditions caused by overuse or injury, such as:
Tendonitis
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Plantar Fasciitis
Shin Splints
Shoulder Pain
Sciatica
Neck and Back Pain
And many more musculoskeletal conditions
ART is unique because it combines precise pressure with movement to break up adhesions (also known as scar tissue) that can develop within soft tissues. These adhesions often result from overuse, injury, or repetitive strain, causing pain, reduced mobility, and decreased performance.
How Does ART Work?
Over time, injuries or repetitive movements can cause your body to form adhesions in the soft tissues, essentially creating restrictions that reduce the tissues’ ability to move freely and function properly. These restrictions can also compress nerves, leading to pain, tingling, or numbness.
During an ART session, we use our hands to evaluate the texture, tightness, and movement of your soft tissues. Once an adhesion is located, we apply targeted pressure while you perform specific movements. This combination of tension and movement breaks down the adhesion, restoring normal function to the affected tissue.
By treating the root cause of the issue (the adhesion), ART can relieve pain, improve range of motion, and enhance overall function. ART® doesn’t just mask symptoms—it addresses the underlying problems within the tissues.
What Conditions Can ART Treat?
ART is particularly effective for conditions caused by overuse or repetitive strain, making it ideal for athletes, active individuals, and those who perform repetitive tasks at work. Some of the most common conditions we treat with ART include:
Tendinitis and Tendinopathies: Chronic tendon pain in areas like the shoulder, elbow, or Achilles tendon often results from overuse. ART can break down the scar tissue that contributes to pain and dysfunction in these areas.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: When the tissues in your wrist become inflamed or compressed, it can result in pain, tingling, and weakness in the hand and arm. ART can help release the soft tissue restrictions contributing to this condition.
Runner’s Knee and IT Band Syndrome: Pain on the outer part of the knee often comes from tightness in the iliotibial (IT) band, a thick band of tissue that runs along the outside of the leg. ART can release adhesions in the IT band and surrounding tissues, relieving pressure on the knee.
Sciatica: Sciatica is caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, often due to tight muscles in the lower back or pelvis. ART can release the adhesions possibly responsible for the nerve irritation, providing relief from pain and numbness.
Plantar Fasciitis: This painful condition affects the bottom of the foot, often due to tightness and inflammation in the plantar fascia. ART can break down scar tissue and reduce tension in this area, helping alleviate pain and restore mobility.
Why Choose ART at Ascend Sports Chiropractic?
As certified ART providers, we are trained to accurately locate and treat the root causes of pain and dysfunction within your soft tissues. ART is a hands-on therapy that requires a deep understanding of biomechanics and anatomy, and we take pride in offering this highly effective treatment to our patients.
Incorporating ART into your treatment plan offers several benefits:
Faster Recovery: By targeting the root cause of your pain, ART can speed up recovery from injury and help you return to activity more quickly.
Improved Performance: ART can help athletes move more efficiently by addressing restrictions in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments, ultimately enhancing performance.
Pain Relief Without Surgery or Medication: ART offers a non-invasive solution for many common musculoskeletal issues, helping you avoid the need for surgery or prolonged medication use.
Long-Term Results: ART helps break the cycle of chronic pain by treating the source of the issue, not just the symptoms. This leads to more sustainable results and improved quality of life.
Experience the Power of ART
If you’re dealing with pain, stiffness, or reduced mobility, Active Release Techniques may be the solution you’ve been looking for. At Ascend Sports Chiropractic, we use ART to help patients overcome injuries, optimize movement, and perform at their best—whether you’re a professional athlete or just looking to move more comfortably throughout your day.
Contact us today to schedule your ART assessment and take the first step toward a pain-free, more active life!
